REGINA, Sask. — As Saskatchewan marks Small Business Week, SaskToday reached out to businesses along Regina’s newly reopened 11th Avenue to hear how years of construction affected them and what they think of the rebuilt downtown corridor.
After three and a half years of construction that disrupted access along 11th Avenue, businesses are adjusting to the newly rebuilt street. Some are welcoming the changes, but questions remain about the toll on merchants who had to keep operating while roads and entrances were blocked.
At Avenue Restaurant and Bar, bartender and server Carter Green said the restaurant’s current owners took over in summer 2025, with construction already underway. Road closures made it difficult for diners to reach the business, prompting repeated calls for directions and parking advice.
“It was pretty quiet,” Green said. “Some customers kind of gave up trying to get to us because of the inconvenience of having to move around out of their way so much.”
Green said the reopening of the adjoining side road helped improve access, and he is now seeing more customers come through the doors. He also believes clearer updates about construction schedules from the city would have helped staff answer customers’ questions.
At J & A Restaurant, manager Anthony Truong said the construction made for a challenging period for the business.
“It was tough as it was happening right outside of our doors,” Truong said.
Looking ahead, Truong said he would prefer either more parking and no buses on 11th Avenue or a return to the previous arrangement with all buses using the street.
Culture Grooming Lounge owner Craig Zamonsky was more positive about the outcome.
“Overall, the whole thing was a bit of an inconvenience,” Zamonsky said. “But with growth, usually there is.”
“It looks absolutely fantastic now,” he said, adding that clients are happy with the finished street and the free parking currently available.
In a statement provided to SaskToday, the City of Regina said it worked directly with businesses to maintain customer access and limit disruption.
“The city has not measured the direct financial impact to businesses on 11th Avenue,” the statement said.
The city said the project reinforced the importance of communication and collaboration during major infrastructure work. It also thanked businesses for their patience and encouraged residents to visit downtown.
The revitalization included underground infrastructure upgrades, rebuilt roads and sidewalks, wider pedestrian areas, improved lighting and upgraded traffic signals. Curb extensions and textured surfaces for people with impaired vision were also installed to improve safety and accessibility.
The original approved budget was $39.5 million, while the city projects a final cost of $37.5 million. Final accounting is still underway, with the exact savings expected to be determined in the coming months.
Some work remains. Benches, heated transit shelters and garbage bins are expected by early November, while planters and remaining landscaping are scheduled for spring 2027.
With the main roadway work complete, businesses will now see whether the redesigned corridor brings more people downtown.
